The EFL action continues this weekend, with games taking place on Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17. The action has been thrilling and unpredictable so far, and you can, as always, follow along at BetVictor sports betting. Here is the pick of this weekend’s fixtures.
Championship
Millwall vs Middlesbrough
Millwall and Middlesbrough both made winning starts to their Championship campaigns last week, and as both are fancied to do well in the second tier this season, it came as no surprise. However, Boro were defeated 4-0 in midweek by Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup, a much-changed Doncaster Rovers side. They could be fragile as a result.
Swansea City vs Sheffield United
It was Swansea City who Middlesbrough defeated on the opening weekend, but this game brings last term’s beaten playoff finalists into the spotlight. They lost 4-1 at home to Bristol City last Saturday, and then lost in the Carabao Cup to Birmingham City. Questions are already being asked, and the Swans could ask more of them.
Ipswich Town vs Southampton
One of Sunday’s two Championship matches sees two of the three relegated teams lock horns. Arguably, both teams come into this one with something to prove. Ipswich secured a very late draw against newly promoted Birmingham City in their first game of the season. At the same time, Southampton flattered to deceive in their opener against another newly promoted outfit in Wrexham.
League One
Huddersfield Town vs Blackpool
Huddersfield Town and Blackpool were both tipped as promotion hopefuls this season. And while the former are living up to expectations, with two wins from two and sitting top of the division, the latter have lost both their fixtures thus far. Huddersfield will feel they can keep their winning run going, but Blackpool must find a way to stop the rot.
Lincoln City vs Plymouth Argyle
Lincoln City host Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon. The Imps have won one and lost one in the league so far, but Argyle have been seriously disappointing after being defeated by both Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley. Is this the right time for Lincoln to face one of the favourites to get promoted? It could well be.
Wigan Athletic vs Peterborough United
Both Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United likely wanted to get off to a good start this term with the top six in mind. The Lactics have three points on the table after a win and a loss. But Posh, who struggled last season, have been defeated on both outings thus far. Is it a sign that Darren Ferguson’s side are in for another disappointing campaign?
League Two
Chesterfield vs Bristol Rovers
Ahead of the new EFL campaign kicking off, Chesterfield and Bristol Rovers were seen as two of the fourth tier’s strongest outfits. Chesterfield are proving that to be the case with two wins from two and no goals conceded, but Rovers have continued their dismal form from last term with back-to-back defeats. The Spireites will be confident of three points.
Bromley vs Fleetwood Town
Bromley have long been one of the feel-good teams in the Football League, and they’ve started this season in great shape, with a win and a draw in the league and a win over Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup. On Sunday, they host high-flying Fleetwood Town, who have two wins from two, but you just know it will be a fiercely competitive game.
MK Dons vs Cheltenham Town
One of the most talked-about fourth-tier sides right now is MK Dons, who have recruited well this summer. They’re favourites to win League Two, but have flattered to deceive thus far, even with four points on the table. They face a Cheltenham side that has lost two from two and failed to score. It’s a chance for Paul Warne’s side to live up to expectations.
All of the games above, and the rest of the fixtures this weekend, are available to bet on by visiting the football betting page at BetVictor.
